Where Can I Find Uncommon Courage?

In today's study we see that God makes us courageous through Jesus. As we follow Jesus and become closer to Him, we become closer to God.

~B

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35 NIV)

In a politically correct country full of attacks on biblical worldview, how do you live with uncommon courage? There are two things you need to do:

1. You need to accept God’s Word as your authority. Why? Because it is the only source that will never lie to you. If you’re going to be a man or woman of courage, you need to build your life on the rock that never changes, not on popular opinion. Build your life on the understanding that “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it — whether I understand it or not.” Hebrews 6:18 says, “God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us” (NLT).

You will build your life on either the world or the Word. I say things all the time that are unpopular. Why? Because I fear displeasing God more than I do your rejection.

If you don’t know what you believe, you need to figure it out. Your local church is a great resource and can help you find the material that will help you get deeper in and more familiar with God’s Word.

2. You need to spend personal time with Jesus. “The leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 NCV). The more time you spend with Jesus, the less you are going to be intimidated by the opinions of others and the more courage you’re going to have.

Standing courageously for an unpopular opinion isn’t easy, but the rewards of standing courageously for the truth will last forever. Hebrews 10:35 says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (NIV).

If you want to have an uncommon courage, pray this prayer today:

“God, I want to be a person of courage. I don’t want to back down. I don’t want other people to control what I say or think. I want to build my life on a biblical worldview. I make these two commitments today: First, I accept your Word as my authority. You say it, I believe it, and that settles it. Second, Lord, I want to spend time with you every day. I want to get to know you personally. I want to be so full of joy and courage that people say, ‘That person’s been with Jesus.’ I ask you to help me to be fearless for the truth. In your name I pray. Amen.”

35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  - Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.  - Hebrews 6:18 (NIV)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  - Acts 4:13 (NIV)

This devotional © 2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.